Week 5: Scripps Ranch Falcons 17, La Jolla Vikings 7
The Scripps Ranch Falcons remain undefeated thanks to yet another impressive performance from their defense.
Scripps Ranch (5-0) defeated the La Jolla Vikings, 17-7, on Friday night in a battle of Division III teams.
This was expected to be a defensive battle, and it was exactly that. Each defense got after the quarterback and created turnovers. The Falcon defense, however, was just better. They did not allow a point for the fourth time this season. They are allowing a ridiculous 2 points per game.
La Jolla (2-3) kept the game close and seemed to have all the momentum after halftime. Junior linebacker Max Smith returned an interception 81 yards to tie the game at 7-all. It was a quarter full of mistakes for the Falcons and the Vikings capitalized.
Late in the third, La Jolla had possession and was driving down the field when Falcon junior linebacker Riley Merrigan intercepted quarterback Jackson Stratton. That led to a 4-yard quarterback keeper by Luke Durkin in the fourth quarter, which would end up being the winning score.
The Falcons would add on another field goal, a sack by Josh Boahmah and a game-ending interception by Johnny McGoldrick.
La Jolla lost for the third time this season. Each of its losses has been closely contested, where the defense does its part yet the offense cannot put up enough points. The Vikings will travel to Mira Mesa next week looking to get their third win of the season.
Scripps Ranch will travel to Kearny in two weeks to open up City League play. The Falcon defense will enter the game having shutout their last three opponents.
PREVIEW
A major Division III matchup takes place this Friday night when the La Jolla Vikings visit the undefeated Falcons of Scripps Ranch.
La Jolla (2-2) will be on the road for the first time this season. So far, the Viking defense has been their strength. This season they are giving up an average of 15 points per game. Despite being at .500, La Jolla has been competitive in its two losses, losing by a total of 19 points.
La Jolla will be led on offense by sophomore quarterback Jackson Stratton. Unfortunately for Stratton, he has experienced some growing pains through the first four games. He has only thrown two touchdowns while throwing eight interceptions. For the Vikings to pull the upset, they will need to do a better job of protecting the football.
While La Jolla’s defense has been impressive, the Falcon defense has been even better. Scripps Ranch (4-0) currently sits at the top of the DIII standings thanks to a defense that has absolutely dominated offenses. The Falcons have actually shut out three opponents, with the only scoring done against the Falcons last week was off a pick-six when they beat rival Mira Mesa, 17-7. Per game, the defense is allowing 2.5 points.
On the other side of the ball, junior quarterback Luke Durkin has been leading an efficient offense, averaging 30 points per game.
Keys to the game will be each quarterback against tough defenses. Will the Vikings be able to limit the mistakes and put up points against a vaunted Falcon defense? Will Durkin continue putting up big numbers against a stingy Viking defense?
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
For highlights of this game and others around the county, be sure to tune into Season XXI of the Prep Pigskin Report this Friday at 11 p.m.
Also, prior to the PPR, be sure to tune in every Friday night at 10:45 p.m on KUSI for 1st and 15.
This week’s PPR Viewing Party will feature the Scripps Ranch Falcons at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto.
The second PPR Viewing Party stop will feature the Kearny High Komets.
Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts for live-game updates and information throughout the week.
